Sharks, roller coasters and selfie sticks, oh my! Wait… selfie sticks? Yes, you heard me right. These are some of the highlights from the filming of Syfy’s Sharknado 3 at Universal Orlando Resort. There was plenty of chaos captured from ferocious shark attacks to incredibly outrageous weapons to fend them off (like a selfie stick!).
Being a big fan of the previous two movies, I found myself fangirling a little bit when I heard that they were filming the third movie in our parks. I was able to check out some of the action, and I can tell you, this movie is going to be outrageously good.
In fact, you can get a sneak peak to see all the havoc Sharknado unleashed upon Universal Orlando in the video below.
While they were filming here, I also got the opportunity to chat with some of the cast, including Ian Ziering, Tara Reid, Cassie Scerbo, Ryan Newman and Jack Griffo. I learned some fun tidbits about Sharknado 3 and their time at the theme parks.
Q: What’s been your favorite part filming at Universal Orlando?
Tara: My favorite scene that we shot in the theme park was the part with the globe. I can’t say what happened with it but definitely the globe shot.
Ian: For me, it’s been the benefits of shooting here, and the tremendous help we received from the Universal staff. Universal is a major movie studio, and we’ve been able to create some amazing sets in the soundstages.
Cassie: I love filming in the theme parks. It’s so much fun and there’s a ton of excitement, energy and adrenaline that comes from it.
Ryan: In the movie, my character is going to Universal Orlando for her birthday and ends up kicking some major booty with different weapons. My favorite was probably when I killed a shark with one of those selfie sticks!
Jack: I’m originally from Orlando, and I remember riding my first rollercoasters here. So, it was very surreal and awesome to come back and actually film a movie in the parks.
Q: Did you get a chance to enjoy some of the rides at Universal Orlando? Which one was your favorite?
Cassie: Yes, I got to enjoy the parks with my family. [The Wizarding World of Harry Potter -] Diagon Alley was really cool. My favorite ride was Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster.
Ryan: Jack and I got to ride some of the rollercoasters. It was pretty fun to ride the [Hollywood Rip Ride] Rockit coaster that we were filming on for the movie. My favorite ride though was [The Incredible] Hulk Coaster.
Jack: Yeah, the [Hollywood Rip Ride] Rockit roller coaster was really fun and so was [The Incredible] Hulk [Coaster]. Being from here, it was great to come back and have fun at Universal again.
(Unfortunately, Tara and Ian didn’t have a chance to enjoy the parks before we talked because they were constantly filming for the movie.)
Q: What’s your advice on how to survive a Sharknado?
Tara: Try really hard not to go near the sharks coming at you. Carry some kind of weapon and try to stay under metal.
Ian: Leave your umbrella at home and take your chainsaw.
Cassie: I’ve been boxing for several years, so I think that would be helpful. Just being physically fit.
Ryan: Carry a TON of weapons.
Jack: Always be on the lookout and be prepared for anything.
Q: What’s your go-to weapon to fend off the sharks?
Tara: My saw hand.
Ian: It’s gotta be a chainsaw.
Cassie: It’s the shotgun. It’s got this sword/axe thing attached to it with brass knuckles that detach.
Ryan: Selfie sticks.
Jack: A gun is really good.
Q: You’ve got to film in some awesome locations for Sharknado with New York City, Los Angeles, Universal Orlando… where do you want the next one to be?
Tara: Everyone always asks us that, and it comes to the question of how do we beat the last one? We just do. So, we’ll see where it takes us.
Ian: Some place warm. I’m going to go wherever we’re lucky enough to go.
Cassie: I think Europe would be really cool. Maybe some different planet, like Mars!
Ryan: Europe. I want it to be in, like, Paris and hit the Eiffel Tower.
Jack: (to Ryan) You just want to go to Europe, but overseas would be cool.
Make sure to check out Syfy’s Sharknado 3!
